With America constantly on the go, it’s no surprise that grab-and-go breakfast sandwich sales are growing in the convenience channel. However, sales of not-so-portable foods are also on the rise. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor Breakfast is the only restaurant daypart with sustained visit growth over the last several years, said Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry…

With the emphasis on fresh, “better-for-you” and made to order, the roller grill is vying to compete for prime counter space at c-stores. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor The hot dog isn’t quite as humble as it used to be. Sonic Drive-in, for example, features six different dogs nationally (and two more regionally) on its…

Few foods are as veto-proof as pizza. Because of the promise of profits, convenience stores are getting an increasingly larger piece of the $40 billion U.S. pizza market. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor Americans are passionate about pizza. They crave it morning, noon and night, as convenience store operators have discovered. And stores don’t have…

Savvy c-store retailers are tempting the palates of today’s consumers and growing profits with bold and spicy ethnic food options. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor When you promote yourself as “Adventure’s First Stop,” you had better be able to back that up with some spicy experiences. That’s what Maverik Convenience Stores does with its proprietary…

The right packaging should do more than put a pretty face on your “fresh-to-go” foods. It should also maintain product freshness and offer customers consumption convenience. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor As more convenience stores venture into the realm of foodservice, they are quickly learning that packaging has to be more than just an afterthought.…

Ham and cheese on white bread used to be the go-to sandwich for grab and go. But now many consumers are expecting options that are unique, upscale and even unusual. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor It’s not often that customers express their approval when a retailer raises prices. But that’s exactly what happened when Englefield…

Whether it’s for dashboard dining or taking home to the family, during different times of the day chicken offerings are helping retailers satisfy customers’ cravings for delicious, economical and wholesome food options. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor Marinated, spiced, glazed, baked, broiled and especially fried, Americans seemingly can’t get enough chicken. In fact, 89% of…

If the combination of breakfast and lunch is called “brunch,” then shouldn’t the combination of lunch and dinner be labeled “linner?” That’s a question comedian Jerry Seinfeld once asked. Whatever c-stores call today’s increasingly common mix of meals and snacks throughout the day and evening, the trend offers expanded opportunities for foodservice sales. By Marilyn…

No matter what other foodservice products you offer, the roller grill is the first thing customers encounter. A clean, filled grill makes a clear statement about your commitment to foodservice. So does one that isn’t so well maintained. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor Few retailers are ambivalent about roller grills. They either really love them…

Keeping your convenience store roller grill clean and well stocked shows customers you are committed to foodservice success.   By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor C-store retailers tend to either love or hate the roller grill. Some feel it helps the overall perception of foodservice, while other feels it hurts it. But for those providing roller…